SOUTH AFRICA IS OPEN, SAFE AND WELCOMING

Digby Hutton • 23 May 2025

JOHANNESBURG, 23 MAY 2025 — Recent headlines sparked by a widely publicised

exchange between U.S. President Donald Trump and South African President Cyril

Ramaphosa have reignited international focus on crime in South Africa. Unfortunately, much

of the coverage has leaned toward sensationalism, lacking the nuance needed to

understand the real experience of travellers to the country.


SATSA, the voice of inbound tourism in South Africa, is stepping forward to clarify the facts

— grounded in decades of experience welcoming international guests.

“South Africa isn’t perfect,” says SATSA CEO David Frost. “Like every country, we face

challenges. But what we don’t have is a crisis that justifies global panic or distorted

narratives.”


“What we do have,” he adds, “is millions of tourists arriving safely every year, and leaving

with stories that have nothing to do with fear and everything to do with awe.”

While crime is a concern and continues to be addressed by government and civil society,

incidents involving international visitors remain extremely rare.


Among the facts:

  • Visitor satisfaction levels remain high across key source markets.
  • Travel demand from North America remains strong. U.S. arrivals totalled 372,362 in 2024, recovering to 100% of 2019 levels.
  • Major tourism destinations continue operating smoothly thanks to coordinated publicprivate safety initiatives.


“We don't pretend crime doesn't exist,” he adds. "But context matters. The suggestion that

tourists are at significant risk is dangerous misinformation that serves political agendas

rather than public interest."


SATSA works closely with industry stakeholders on proactive visitor safety efforts, including

the national Tourism Safety Helpline, enhanced security visibility around tourist hotspots, and

real-time incident response coordination. Most popular tourism areas are well-policed

specifically with visitors in mind, and travellers can access emergency assistance 24/7

through dedicated helplines and innovative tools like the Secura Traveller App, a mobile

solution offering location-based support throughout a visitor's journey.


SATSA plays a key role in driving safety initiatives across the industry, developing

comprehensive toolkits, training programs, and traveller support services that ensure visitors

are both informed and protected throughout their stay.


Understanding South Africa requires nuance, not cherry-picked sound bites that distort the

full picture of a nation still working through its complex history while building toward a shared

future.


SATSA urges both international media outlets and officials abroad to engage responsibly

when discussing complex issues like land reform or national crime rates, especially when

those discussions affect perception-based industries like tourism directly tied to livelihoods

across Southern Africa.


“This sector employs hundreds of thousands,” says Frost. “It puts food on tables from

Soweto guesthouses right through to safari camps in Limpopo. And in South Africa, one

tourism job typically supports up to seven people — meaning a single traveller’s decision

has a ripple effect across entire households.”


“If you want honest answers about what travel here looks like today,” he adds, “ask someone

who’s actually been — or better yet, come and see for yourself.”

SATSA remains committed to ensuring accurate information reaches potential visitors, and

to working with all stakeholders to maintain South Africa's position as one of the world's most

compelling destinations.

MEDIA STATEMENT Minister of Tourism

by Digby Hutton • 5 June 2025
MEDIA STATEMENT Minister of Tourism Responds to Updated U.S. Travel Advisory Pretoria, 4 June 2025  The Minister of Tourism notes the recent update by the United States Department of State to its travel advisory for South Africa. We respect the sovereign right of all nations to provide guidance to their citizens travelling abroad. We also acknowledge the recent meeting between Presidents Ramaphosa and Trump and the subsequent media coverage that has followed. However, it is important to offer broader context and reaffirm our unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety, comfort, and enjoyment of all visitors to our country. South Africa remains one of the most sought-after and rewarding travel destinations in the world — known for its natural beauty, cultural diversity, and the warm hospitality of its people. While challenges such as crime exist, as they do in many countries globally, the overwhelming majority of international visitors travel safely and leave with positive, enriching experiences. Visitor safety is, and continues to be, a national priority. It is actively addressed through a range of coordinated efforts between government, law enforcement, the tourism sector, and local communities. Our tourism infrastructure remains robust and resilient, with several established safety measures, including: Increased security presence in key tourism nodes, supported by trained Tourism Monitors stationed at popular attractions and visitor hotspots; • Ongoing collaboration between government, law enforcement, and the private sector to ensure proactive safety monitoring and swift incident response. It is worth highlighting that travel demand from the United States remains robust. In 2024, arrivals from the U.S. returned to pre-pandemic levels and the United States surpassed the United Kingdom as South Africa’s largest source market. In the first four months of 2025 alone, South Africa welcomed 111,491 visitors from the USA — reaffirming the destination’s enduring appeal and strong market confidence. We understand that travellers may have concerns, and we encourage all visitors to exercise the same level of vigilance and awareness they would when visiting any international destination. We also call on media outlets and government agencies globally to report on South Africa with accuracy and balance, recognising the distinction between isolated incidents and the broader reality experienced by millions of safe and satisfied travellers. We are engaging closely with the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation on this matter and wish to reassure all travellers that South Africa remains open, welcoming, and committed to ensuring a safe and pleasurable journey for all who visit. We look forward to continuing to welcome travellers from the United States and across the globe, to share in the richness of our landscapes, the depth of our culture, and the warmth of our people.
A person is walking on a beach near the ocean with a mountain in the background.

Cape Town Best City In The World

17 January 2025
Cape Town has emerged as Best City in the World in Time Out’s annual global survey – beating Bangkok and New York City for the accolade. In 2024, Cape Town was runner-up when the title was bestowed on New York City. The award is based on insights from over 18 500 locals with input from more than 100 city experts. According to Time Out, Cape Town scored highly across 44 criteria. Scores included 97% of locals saying Cape Town makes them happy and 95% indicating that Cape Town has amazing food and restaurants. Other high-performing categories included the cultural scene, which 89% of respondents love, while 82% believe their city is beautiful. “Steeped in history and cultural significance, Cape Town provides visitors with a plethora of options to learn, explore and have fun – all without breaking the bank,” Time Out South Africa Content Director Andrew Hallett said in his comment on the city. Cape Town Tourism CEO Enver Duminy said: “Cape Town is a city built on its people’s passion, resilience and creativity. From bustling markets to serene beaches, every corner of our city tells a story of community and connection. This win celebrates who we are and what we stand for.” James Vos, City of Cape Town's Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth, said the recognition speaks volumes about the incredible spirit of Cape Town. “From our stunning landscapes to our awesome communities, it’s no wonder we’re considered the best. This is a shared achievement, and we’re excited to continue growing and attracting visitors from around the globe to experience everything we have to offer.” The top five cities on the 2025 list are Cape Town, Bangkok, New York, Melbourne and London. The only other African city on the list is Lagos at 41. The accolade is another feather in Cape Town’s cap. The city was also named the top food city at the Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards in October last year and the best city in the world by Telegraph readers in 2023.

Money Blog: Cheapest Long-Haul Holiday Destinations Revealed

6 October 2024
Far-flung holiday destinations that won't break the bank are difficult to find. That once-in-a-lifetime bucket list trip always appears out of reach. But if you put in the research - it is possible to plan a breakaway that not only ticks all the boxes, but promises value for money. Top of the list in a new report is a country known for its sun-drenched beaches, wines and stunning landscapes - South Africa. It has regained its position as the best value long-haul holiday destination for UK travellers. Local price falls and the weakening of the South African rand have brought costs down for UK visitors by 12% since autumn 2023, according to Post Office Travel Money. Its annual study looks at different factors including the price of a cup of coffee, a glass of wine and three-course meals. This makes Cape Town the best value out of 32 resorts and cities analysed in the report for the first time since 2018. Typical prices include £1.63 for a cup of filter coffee, £1.81 for a bottle of local beer, and £33.31 for a three-course evening meal for two with a bottle of house wine. Second on the list is Tokyo in Japan, followed by Vietnam's Hoi An, which took top spot last year, and then Bali in Indonesia which remains in fourth position. Mombasa in Kenya, Delhi in India, and Sharm el-Sheikh in Egypt are next in the table, trailed by the Sri Lankan capital Colombo, Santiago in Chile and Montego Bay in Jamaica.